Cape Town Pride 2025 brought together thousands in celebration, but Dion George, the Democratic Alliance’s federal finance chairperson, reminded marchers that the fight for equality is far from over. Addressing the crowd, he reflected on the historic struggle of the LGBTQIA+ community in South Africa.
“The first Pride March in South Africa was on October 13, 1990, in Johannesburg, and I was there, aged 24 years old,” George, who is also minister of environment, forestry and fisheries, recalled. Unlike many who had to hide their identities for fear of losing their jobs or facing violence, George marched openly.
Every year since, LGBTQIA+ activists have faced insults, threats, and physical assaults. But they never backed down. “We stood together, united in the fight for our freedom, to be who we are, and to love who we choose.”
Hate still exists, but the movement stands strong
Despite South Africa’s progress, discrimination and violence against the LGBTQIA+ community persist. Some protesters attempted to overshadow the Pride celebrations, and efforts have been made to remove symbolic representations of LGBTQIA+ visibility, such as the rainbow crossing marchers walked across.
“To them, I say, you just make the fight for equality stronger! And you remind us that we must never take the freedom we have won for granted.”
George emphasised that in South Africa, people still face violence and even death because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. “That is not freedom, but tyranny.”
While the South African police have taken steps to address this issue, George made it clear that much more needs to be done.
Impact of Global Politics on LGBTQIA+ Healthcare
George also addressed the impact of global political decisions on South Africa’s LGBTQIA+ community. He highlighted the recent cuts to the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a program that has played a crucial role in combating HIV/AIDS.
“Our community has survived two pandemics in my lifetime – AIDS and COVID. AIDS took a lot longer to grip the attention of the world and for medication to be developed, because it was associated with people like us, and nobody cared enough until it was not just us.”
He reassured attendees that the DA-run Western Cape government had prioritised funding for antiretroviral treatment and healthcare staff. “Anyone who accessed care through now-closed non-profits can receive medication and treatment at the nearest primary healthcare facility in the Western Cape.”
Historic first for South African politics
George proudly acknowledged his role in making history, as South Africa’s first openly gay minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment.
“Today, I introduced Cape Town Pride to my husband, Craig. Craig is the only same-sex husband in the national Cabinet and the first in South African history.”
As he closed his speech, George urged everyone to recognise the significance of Pride and the progress made so far. “Celebrate today this truth: We are proudly everywhere!”
The South African Constitution guarantees LGBTQIA+ rights, but George made it clear that those protections must translate into lived realities. His message resonated with thousands of marchers.
Stay tuned with The South African as Cape Town Pride 2025 is addressed by Dion George.
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